Most residential lettings by non-resident private landlords which began before 15 January 1989 will be regulated tenancies under the Rent Act 1977. It does not matter whether the letting is furnished or unfurnished.

Since 15 January 1989 most new lettings have been assured or assured shorthold tenancies and it will only be possible to have regulated tenancies in very limited circumstances; .

A regulated tenant has certain important rights concerning the amount of rent he or she can be charged and security of tenure. With a regulated tenancy:

• the landlord cannot evict the tenant unless he or she gets a possession order from the courts, and the courts can grant an order only in certain circumstances • if the tenant dies his or her spouse will normally take over the regulated tenancy (a family member who has been living in the home can take over an assured tenancy) • either the landlord or the tenant can apply to the rent officer for a fair rent to be registered • once a rent is registered it is the maximum the landlord can charge until it is reviewed or cancelled4 • even if a rent is not registered, the landlord can only increase the rent in certain circumstances • the tenant may get housing benefit • the landlord is usually responsible for major repairs • the landlord, or in some cases the tenant, can ask  the local authority for a grant towards certain repairs and improvements.